Becton, Brown or Fourth-Round Rookie? Surveying the Jets' Left Tackle Situation

Which player will protect the blindside against the Falcons in Week 13?

Injuries have forced the New York Jets to start three different players at left tackle this season.

In Weeks 1 and 2, it was the 38-year-old Duane Brown. Next, the homegrown Mekhi Becton flipped from his starting spot on the right side to the left, filling in for an injured Brown. When Becton sprained his ankle in the first quarter of a Week 11 road game at Buffalo, fourth-round rookie Carter Warren was able to introduce himself to the league.

With six weeks remaining on the Jets' regular season schedule, there's a question as to who will protect the quarterback's blindside moving forward?

It's possible that all three players are available to start when the Atlanta Falcons visit MetLife Stadium on December 3.

Becton is reportedly improving while dealing with the injury he suffered on November 19.

"I feel good about Mekhi getting back this week," said Saleh prior to Wednesday's practice in Florham Park.

After missing two practices prior to the NFL Black Friday Game, Becton appeared as a limited participant on the first official injury report issued ahead of the Week 13 matchup against Atlanta. His availability likely hinges on the amount of progress made prior to gameday.

Meanwhile, Brown, who was activated off Injured Reserve on November 23, finally disappeared from the official injury report this week. He suited up against the Dolphins but wasn't ready for full game action.

"As for Duane, activated him. Tried to give him one more week to get his mind right," said Saleh following the 34-13 loss to Miami on Black Friday. "Probably could have played today, but it was a little bit late in the week when we all felt comfortable with where we were with him. Had him dressed for an emergency only. We’ll see if we can get him back into the fold next week."

With no Brown or Becton, Warren made his first career start on November 24. In his home state of New Jersey, the Passaic Tech product played all 58 offensive snaps in the first-ever Black Friday Game.

It's worth noting that when responding to a question about Brown on Wednesday, Saleh mentioned Warren's emergence.

"Again, with Duane Brown, I really like what Carter Warren has been doing, so I’m trying to make sure that we get a chance to see him too," said Saleh.

It wasn't the first time that Saleh has gone out of his way to highlight Warren, who was the No. 120 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

"Carter, I thought was a pleasant surprise going back and watching it. Tremendous footwork, great patience," said Saleh after the Week 11 loss to the Bills. Warren logged 49 snaps in relief of Becton in the 32-6 setback. 

Out of the three left tackles, the rookie Warren is the only one under contract past this season. Becton, who was selected No. 11 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, is on the final season of his rookie contract after the Jets declined to pick up the fifth-year option. Brown, one of the oldest active players in the NFL, is on the back end of a two-year deal signed in August 2022.

Saleh, however, did not commit to deploying Brown, who has 217 career starts under his belt, against the Falcons.

"Duane, again, we’ll see how this week goes with regards to practice and everything," said Saleh. 

Jets' Rookie Left Tackle Highlights Eighth Different Starting Line Combination

The situation may allow for a second straight start by Warren, but Brown's availability would slightly complicate matters. Brown fits best at left tackle, likely pushing Warren to the right side. If Becton is ready to return, then he could flip back over to the right side where he began the regular season.

Finally, the Jets may have the luxury of choice when it comes to their injury-ravaged offensive line.

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